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Care of the Mouth and Teeth

Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by age 1 year, with a dental check-up at least twice each year after for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the following:

Birth to age 6 months

Clean the infant's mouth with gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush after feedings and at bedtime.

Consult your child's health care provider regarding fluoride supplements, if you live in an area without fluoridated water.

Regulate feeding habits (bottle-feeding and breastfeeding).

Ages 6 to 12 months

During this time, the first tooth should appear. Consult a pediatric dentist for an exam.

Ask about fluoride varnish which may be applied to the teeth every 3 to 6 months.

Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the ages of 5 or 6, with usually the front teeth first. They continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through, except for the third molars (wisdom teeth). These molars begin to appear around the ages of 17 to 21.

Diet and dental care for children

The AAPD recommends the following to ensure your child eats correctly to maintain a healthy body and teeth: